Obituary of Thomas Edward Yasvac

Thomas Edward Yasvac was born April 3, 1960, in Boise, Idaho and passed away August 29, 2023 at the age of 63. Tom grew up on Longmont Street as an only child with the loving care of his devoted parents John and Geraldine (Gerry) Yasvac.

At six months old, Tom was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and mental retardation. Thus began a lifetime of education, love, compassion and resourcefulness for John and Gerry. They worked tirelessly to teach Tom everything possible, provide enriching experiences and create an interesting and fulfilling life for their son. John, with his ingenuity and sharp skills, retrofitted things like tricycles, golf carts and tables so Tom could safely enjoy activities. Gerry, with her superb organizational abilities, managed all of Tom’s day-to-day needs.

Tom attended Lincoln School in Boise in his youth. When he was 19, his parents were no longer able to physically do all that was needed for his care. They made the difficult decision for Tom to move to Southwest Idaho Treatment Center (formerly the Idaho State School and Hospital) where he lived for 36 years. During this time, Tom participated in many recreational opportunities - including swimming, which he loved - and enjoyed lots of community outings. His parents visited him two or three times a week, always taking his favorite stories to read and a snack of Cheetos. Tom remained their top priority and the joy of their lives until their passing in 2006 (Gerry) and 2014 (John.) Family friends, Gary and Janet Benoit, had the privilege of becoming Tom’s Co-guardians in 2001 and enjoyed Tom’s happy personality and friendship for many years.

In 2015 Tom, along with four friends from SWITC moved together to Seneca House in Boise. At Seneca House, the amazing staff from A New Leaf, Inc. became Tom’s family. Tom enjoyed riding in the van to get French fries, playing ball and the string game, thumbing through his handmade magazine book and listening to music – especially Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, John Yasvac and Geraldine Yasvac. He is survived by his co-guardians, Gary and Janet Benoit, and his friends at A New Leaf. A special thank you to all who cared for Tom, and particularly to Patty Lyman who was there for Tom in every way possible.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2023 at Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4255 E Fairview Ave, Meridian, Idaho. Friends are invited to attend.